Tinubu Challenges Atiku Over Source of Funds for University Ahead of 2027 Election

President Bola Tinubu has challenged former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to explain how he acquired the money used to establish his private university, bringing the issue of personal wealth and public accountability into the political debate ahead of the 2027 general election.

Tinubu made the remarks on Saturday, November 7, 2026, during an All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The President questioned how Atiku was able to establish a university while serving as vice-president under former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

He urged Nigerians to ask the former vice-president about the source of the funds used to build the institution, suggesting that public resources may have been involved.

Tinubu’s comments came as he responded to opposition politicians criticising his administration over economic hardship, hunger and the rising cost of living.

Tinubu Questions Atiku’s University Investment

During his speech, Tinubu criticised Atiku and other opposition figures who have blamed his administration for the economic difficulties facing Nigerians.

The President argued that some of the problems being experienced today were connected to decisions made by previous administrations.

He specifically questioned how Atiku financed his education investment while occupying the office of vice-president.

Tinubu said Nigerians should demand an explanation from the former vice-president, questioning whether the money used for the project came from public resources.

He also criticised Atiku’s moral standing to question his administration’s performance.

The remarks have added another dimension to the political exchanges between the two leaders as preparations for the 2027 presidential election continue.

Atiku Responds to Tinubu’s Allegation

Atiku Abubakar has rejected the suggestion that his investment in education was financed through public funds.

In a response issued through his Director of Strategic Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the former vice-president said his investment in education began before he entered public office.

Atiku explained that he laid the foundation for ABTI Academy in 1993, six years before becoming vice-president in 1999.

He argued that the timeline contradicts the suggestion that his education investment started while he was serving in government.

Atiku also accused Tinubu of attempting to distract Nigerians from the economic challenges facing the country.

He maintained that he could explain how he built his businesses and accumulated his wealth before becoming a political officeholder.

Background on Atiku’s University

Atiku Abubakar is the founder of the American University of Nigeria (AUN), located in Yola, Adamawa State.

The institution developed from his earlier education investment, ABTI Academy, and later became one of Nigeria’s private universities.

Atiku served as Nigeria’s vice-president from 1999 to 2007 under the administration of Olusegun Obasanjo.

The university project has therefore become a subject of political debate because of its development during the period when Atiku occupied a major public office.

However, the fact that the university was developed during his years in government does not, by itself, establish that public funds were used to finance it.

Tinubu’s remarks amount to an allegation and a demand for an explanation. Atiku, on the other hand, maintains that his investment in education began before his time in government.

Economic Hardship Becomes a Campaign Issue

The exchange comes at a time when economic hardship remains a major concern for many Nigerians.

The cost of food, transportation, housing and other essential needs has placed pressure on households, with opposition politicians repeatedly questioning the impact of the Tinubu administration’s economic policies.

Tinubu has defended his reforms, arguing that they are necessary to address longstanding economic problems and put the country on a stronger path.

Atiku has continued to criticise the government’s handling of the economy, particularly the effects of its policies on ordinary citizens.

The President’s latest remarks suggest that the campaign debate may increasingly focus on the personal records, business interests and financial histories of leading political figures.

Political Tensions Ahead of 2027

Tinubu and Atiku are among the major figures involved in Nigeria’s emerging 2027 presidential contest.

Atiku, who served as vice-president for eight years, is seeking the presidency under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while Tinubu is pursuing a second term under the APC.

Their latest exchange reflects the growing political tension as the election approaches.

Beyond campaign accusations, the dispute raises broader questions about transparency, public accountability and the relationship between private business interests and public office.

For the allegation against Atiku to be established, evidence would be needed to show that public resources were used to finance his university project.

Similarly, Atiku’s explanation about the beginning of his education investment provides important context, but a detailed account of the project’s financing would be needed to settle questions about its funding.

As the political contest continues, Nigerians will be watching how both camps respond to questions about their records, policies and use of public resources.